Monday, March 15, 2010

Tar N Trail, DY-NO-MITE!

The 3rd annual TNT 6 mile run was held this past weekend, March 13th 2010, and like clockwork some 170 runners took in a little bit of trail, road, mud, snow, sunshine all while having a, well, blast.

What many have come to know as one of the most daunting and intimidating trail races in the valley is rightfully deserved. The payoff however, is the chance to test ready legs and lungs amidst the backdrops of Lithia and Strawberry-Hald Parks. You have ups and downs, trail and road, dirt and harder stuff, uneven and, yes, uneven, fast and not-so-fast. A little for everyone. The route allows runners to bend but not break, the ultimate test of a good race.

Now the TNT may not be for everyone, and the 1,000 + feet of accumulated elevation gain can bring out the worst in all of us, but it was encouraging to see so many young runners on the hills seemingly enjoying themselves. They get the bulk of the pictures, why, because there weren't any complaints among them.

Tim Julian and Jeff Olsen race early.

Lela Stemple is thankful she hits the Ashland trails on the weekends, Fridays too.

Thumbs up from Ian Fralich, that's what we like to see.

Perhaps a first visit to the Granite St. quarry?

More comfortable on the Shakespeare Stage Renee?

Tara Parks is all smiles!

There was a little snow hiding from the sun on Strawberry.

Madi and Megan Kim have the best view in town. Congrats girls!

Here are the vital race statistics, an amazing 172 finishers! This is our biggest race and I believe it will contiune to grow. A very big thank you to all our volunteers, our race sponsors ( Sporthill and Columbia) and to you for helping support the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association.